Posting from my facebook beer photo-journal. Viewable (without account) here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2082667&id=58400765&l=125c70d251
Beer #85 - A 1985 Courage Russian Imperial Stout from Well's and Young's. Appropriately enough this is the 85th beer in my beer photo journal, and, being born in 1985, I had this on my 25th birthday in November. A 25 year old beer for my 25th birthday from 1985 for my 85th beer update. Nifty! A special thanks goes to my friend Will for sending this beer to me. He would be the only person that I know who had this just sitting around. This bottle warrants a little more verbose review, so bear with me here.
The bottle was still in surprisingly good condition - a bit of rust on the cap, but the labels were still intact and there was still the tiniest amount of carbonation left. Popped it open and poured about 6oz of the 6.33oz out into my snifter. I was surprised to see that there was very little sediment on the bottom. Good sign! The smell was rich - deep dark cocoa, some bitter tobacco, port-like qualities and a leathery effervescence. At 25 years old, this Courage was just starting to acquire some of the sweet soy-sauce like qualities, but it was definitely far from turning.
The taste was simply incredible. A thick and slick bitter chocolate note gives way to a mild sweet vanilla and tobacco taste. As the flavors start to air out they all come together with wood like darkness that creates a complex flavor profile. Hints of port, cured leather and a warm spiciness present an interesting challenge in trying to figure out what is going on with this beer. This beer rounds itself out with subtle dark fruits, smoke and the taste of old. Yes, the taste of old. Dark and musty, but delicious and complex. This beer was incredible - the after taste lingers with cocoa and tobacco like no other.
